C-130J India production is gaining importance as Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin expand their aerospace partnership. US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted India’s role in producing key structural components for the C-130J military transport aircraft during a visit to the Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility in Hyderabad.
C-130J India Production Strengthens Defence Partnership
The Tata-Lockheed Martin joint venture is targeting a potential multi-billion-dollar contract to supply 80 medium transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, Embraer Defence and Security’s C-390 Millennium and Airbus Defence and Space’s A400M are among the leading contenders for the contract. The IAF currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft.
Gor said the partnership is strengthening US-India defence cooperation and integrating India further into the global C-130J production network.
Tata-Lockheed Martin Expands Aerospace Cooperation
Established in 2010, the joint venture supports India’s Make in India goals. It is also the global source for C-130J empennage assemblies fitted on new Super Hercules aircraft produced in the US.
The partnership has now expanded into maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities. Tata Advanced Systems plans to open its MRO facility in December this year, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in spring 2027.
Tata-Lockheed Joint Venture Targets IAF Contract
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, said the partnership has built proven capabilities in aerospace manufacturing. He added that both companies are exploring further opportunities involving complete platforms for Make in India.
Lockheed Martin also said it remains committed to expanding advanced manufacturing, technology and production capabilities in India.
The joint venture is now working to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
C-130J Supports Global Aerospace Supply Chain
The C-130J Super Hercules is operated by 28 customers across 23 countries. More than 560 aircraft have been delivered to date, while the global fleet has crossed three million flight hours.
India’s production of C-130J empennages has made Indian industry an established part of the aircraft’s global aerospace supply chain.
The IAF is seeking up to 80 medium transport aircraft. It issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the programme in 2023. The proposed acquisition could create significant opportunities for local aerospace manufacturing and defence production.
